What type of fish is typically used in traditional calamari dishes?

Calamari traditionally refers to dishes made from squid, which is a type of cephalopod rather than a fish in the strict sense. However, in culinary terms, it is often associated with seafood including flat fish. The texture and culinary properties of squid lend themselves well to frying and grilling, which is why it's a popular choice for calamari dishes.

Flatfish, such as sole, are also known for their unique characteristics, but they aren't used for calamari. Unlike round fish like salmon, which are typically enjoyed in different preparations, the method of cooking and the ideal texture for calamari aligns more closely with the qualities of flat fish. This makes it more fitting to think of calamari in the context of flatfish, even though squid itself isn't classified in that category. Thus, the appropriate pairing of seafood with the concept of calamari emphasizes why flat fish might be selected in discussions of seafood dishes like calamari.